The Segna de Cor (translates as the ‘blood of the heart’) comprises 50% Grenache, 30% Carignan and 20% Syrah. The relation between the Grenache and the terroir of Roc des Anges gives fruity and fleshy grapes. To balance this generosity, they are blended with old Carignan (60-80 years) and Syrah giving firm structure and dark colour and resulting in a tender and fruity wine sustained by a real texture of tannins. Matured for nine months in concrete vats in order to accentuate fruit and freshness. Four ‘s’: soft, smooth, silky and smoky! Lively and fresh in the mouth, gentle flavours of red grape and berry, dried spices and roasted herbs. Clean, lingering finish.
Grenache, Carignan and Syrah grown on schist soils. Streamlined and pure. Silky tannins with a stony freshness behind. Red fruit and spice notes. Instant pleasure. Drink 2020-2025 - 91Pts James Lawther MW – Decanter
DOMAINE LE ROC DES ANGES, Montmer Biodynamic
Marjorie Gallet’s Le Roc des Anges is an estate of approximately 22 hectares in the village of Montner in the Agly valley (Pyrénées-Orientales, South of France, close to Spain), on the north exposed side of Força Réal mountain. Montner derives from Monte Negro (Montagne Noire) is so named because of the omnipresent dark schists.
The vignoble comprises old vines of Carignan (50% of the red vines) and Grenache Gris (80% of the white vines), then Grenache noir, Syrah and Maccabeu. The vineyards are a mosaic of 43 tiny parcels of land arranged in a variety of expositions on the north shoulder of the Força Real. The first vines were planted in 1903 and 55% are between 40 and 90 years old. Everything done in the vineyard is traditional from the use of local stone to create low walls to divide the parcels of land, all bound up in the notion of respect for the cultural heritage of the region.
This is extended further into viticulture where respect for the environment is paramount. All work is based on seeking equilibrium for the vine and allowing it to find its “autonomie” (defined by vigour, yield, nutrition and natural defence), an essential factor in the expression of terroir. Other than leaf thinning and pruning of the vine to encourage the microclimate, operations in the vineyards are strictly non-interventionist. It is the light permeable soils themselves from where the wines obtain their unique texture and vibrancy. This is a work in progress, according to the vigneron; only a truly living soil will be able to liberate the essence of the terroir. In the cellar simplicity and authenticity are the watchwords.